Method of Forming a Fabric Containing a Functional Code Pattern

ABSTRACT

A method of producing a textile product wherein a functional code pattern is structurally embedded within a textile product as the textile yarns are interlaced to become a textile product is provided. The functional code pattern is embedded within the textile product by programming a textile process machine with conversion factors and mathematical ratios, producing an enlarged code pattern that adheres to the customary rules of public or proprietary barcode formatting. Alternatively, the functional code pattern can be digitally printed onto the textile. The resulting textile product includes a functional and decorative code pattern that is readable by a standard electronic code reading device. Depending upon the type of textile yarn materials used, the code pattern created in or printed on the textile fabric may or may not be visible to the human eye.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 62/520,654, filed on Jun. 16, 2017, which is incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A barcode is an automatic identification technology that is used forproduct identification. Barcodes were originally designed for use inlabels that were attached to a product. Barcodes are typically a graphicrepresentation of data that is readable by an electronic machine orbarcode reading device. Traditional barcodes are expressed in variousformats such as Code 39 and Code 128, which reside in the public sector.Regardless of the code format used, barcode systems employ a series ofbars that are printed or formed in very precise widths. A barcodereading device can measure the width of the bars, and then convert thosesignals into the intended numerals, letters, or characters.

When textile products include barcodes, typically, the barcodes aresmall and attached in hidden areas of the textile product. The barcodematerial is manufactured in a process that is separate and independentof the final textile product to which it will be attached. The generalobjective is to make the textile barcode hidden from public view. Toachieve this objective, a standard barcode is produced on the scale ofinches and is void of colors other than black and white such that itprovides no aesthetic value to the end product. Thus, the barcode issolely used as a functional means of product identification and datacollection.

With the increasing popularity of social media applications, a method ofmaking a textile product that includes a unique fabric in the form of abarcode, where the barcode does not look like a traditional bar code,and where the barcode is integral to the fabric and becomes a part of agarment or other product formed from the fabric would be useful.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of producing a textile productin which a decorative and distinctive code pattern is visibly orinvisibly embedded within or printed on the textile product. Further,the present application is directed to a method of mass producingtextile products incorporated with such code patterns, wherein afunctional and/or aesthetic code pattern can be automatically assignedto a section of the textile product as desired.

In one particular embodiment, a method of producing a textile fabriccomprising a functional code pattern embedded therein is contemplated.The method includes calculating conversion factors to allow the textilefabric to adhere to standard barcode formatting rules to transfer to thefunctional code pattern embedded within the textile product; calculatingmathematical ratios between dimensions of a standard barcode label anddesired dimensions for the functional code pattern embedded within thetextile product, wherein the functional code pattern is enlargedcompared to the standard barcode label; programming a textile processmachine with the calculated conversion factors and mathematical ratios,wherein the programming controls bar width, bar spacing, bar color, or acombination thereof of the functional code pattern; and simultaneouslyincorporating the functional code pattern into the textile fabric andinterlacing a plurality of textile yarns to form the textile fabric.

In another embodiment, the method can include mass producing the textilefabric by simultaneously incorporating a plurality of functional codepatterns into the textile fabric, where the method of mass producing thetextile fabric is a continuous process.

In still another embodiment, the textile process machine can include aweaving machine or a knitting machine.

In yet another embodiment, the functional code pattern is woven orknitted into the textile fabric.

In one more embodiment, the functional code pattern can span across avisible portion of the textile fabric.

In an additional embodiment, the plurality of textile yarns can be ofvarying diameters. Further, the textile process machine can beprogrammed with determined correction factors prior to manufacture tocompensate for differences in the varying diameters of the plurality oftextile yarns.

In another embodiment, the plurality of textile yarns can have aconsistent diameter.

In still another embodiment, the textile fabric can include a pluralityof segments, wherein the textile process machine can be programmed toproduce a unique functional code pattern for each of the plurality ofsegments.

In yet another embodiment, the textile fabric can include a plurality ofsegments, wherein the textile process machine can be programmed toproduce identical functional code patterns for each of the plurality ofsegments.

In one more embodiment, the textile fabric can include a single textilebase material comprising a plurality of unique functional code patterns.

In an additional embodiment, the textile fabric can include a singletextile base material comprising a plurality of identical functionalcode patterns.

In another particular embodiment, a method of producing a textile fabriccomprising a functional code pattern digitally printed thereon iscontemplated. The method includes calculating conversion factors toallow a digitally printed fabric to adhere to standard barcodeformatting rules to transfer to the functional code pattern printed onthe textile product; calculating mathematical ratios between dimensionsof a standard barcode label and desired dimensions for the functionalcode pattern printed on the textile product, wherein the functional codepattern is enlarged compared to the standard barcode label; programminga textile process machine with the calculated conversion factors andmathematical ratios, wherein the programming controls bar width, barspacing, bar color, or a combination thereof of the functional codepattern; and incorporating the functional code pattern onto the textilefabric via printing.

In another embodiment, the method can include mass producing the textilefabric by simultaneously incorporating a plurality of functional codepatterns onto the textile fabric via printing, wherein the method ofmass producing the textile fabric is a continuous process.

In one embodiment, the functional code pattern can span across a visibleportion of the textile fabric.

In still another embodiment, the textile fabric can include a pluralityof segments, wherein the textile process machine is programmed toproduce a unique code pattern for each of the plurality of segments.

In yet another embodiment, the textile process machine can be programmedto produce identical code patterns for each of the plurality ofsegments.

In one more embodiment, the functional code pattern can be read by anelectronic code reading device.

In an additional embodiment, the functional code pattern produced can bein the form of any pattern. For instance, the functional code patterncan include horizontal stripes, vertical stripes, or a plaid pattern.Further, the functional code pattern can include a Code 39 barcode or aCode 128 barcode.

In another embodiment, the functional code pattern can include ahorizontal barcode component and a vertical barcode component.

In still another embodiment, the functional code pattern can bedecorative and visible to the human eye.

In yet another embodiment, the functional code pattern can be invisibleto the human eye.

In another particular embodiment, a textile fabric formed according tothe method described herein is contemplated, where the textile fabric isconstructed into any textile product composed of textile material.Further, the textile product can include a garment, a backpack, afabric, or a blanket.

Other features and aspects of the present invention are discussed ingreater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including thebest mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is setforth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, includingreference to the appended figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a typical computer and patternpreparation apparatus coupled to a knitting machine.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a typical computer and patternpreparation apparatus coupled to a weaving machine.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a piece of fabric embedded or alternativelydigitally printed thereon with a functional, decorative, and readablecode pattern indicated by the horizontal, striped pattern on theexterior of the fabric.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a piece of fabric entirely embedded ordigitally printed with a functional and readable code pattern indicatedby the plaid design.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a coat garment embedded or digitally printedwith a functional and readable code pattern indicated by the horizontal,striped pattern on the exterior of the coat.

FIG. 6 shows a textile fabric comprising three segments, wherein thethree segments are incorporated with identical code patterns.

FIG. 7 shows a textile fabric comprising three segments, wherein each ofthe three segments are incorporated with a unique code pattern.

FIG. 8 shows a computer and textile product digital printing apparatus,wherein a functional code pattern is digitally printed onto a textilefabric.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to various embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment, may be used on another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. For the purposes of this application, like featureswill be represented by like numbers between the figures.

Generally speaking, in one particular embodiment, the present disclosureis directed to a textile product as well as a method of producing thetextile product where a code pattern is structurally embedded within thetextile product at the instant the textile yarns are interlaced tobecome a textile product resulting in a visible (or invisible) andaesthetically pleasing code pattern on the exterior of a textile productthat is functional through the use of a code reader or electronicdevice. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the code pattern can bedigitally printed on a textile fabric after the fabric has beenmanufactured or on a textile product after the product has beenmanufactured. As mentioned above, barcodes were originally designed foruse in labels that were attached to a product. In contrast, the presentinvention contemplates textile garments or products that includebarcodes not as an attached label or attached component, but rather asan integral part of the textile garment or product. In other words, thebarcode becomes part of the garment or product as part of themanufacturing process.

Coded fabrics described herein may contain readable bars in the widthdirection only, the length direction only, or a combination of both (asa plaid type pattern). Various colors may be employed in the bars ofsuch readable coded fabrics, for aesthetic enhancement.

As contemplated by the present invention, the textile product with auniform or continuous pattern in which the pattern embedded within thetextile product can be readable by an electronic code reading device. Inthis sense, the code pattern can contain any desired information,including information about the owner, product brand, maker, or thelike. Subsequently, an electronic code reading device can be used toeasily read the information incorporated into the textile product,potentially providing an efficient and cost-effective method of productidentification or providing any desired information about the product'sowner or user. Alternatively, a textile product produced with a uniformor continuous pattern in which the pattern is digitally printed onto thetextile product is also contemplated by the present invention.

As mentioned above, traditional barcodes are typically used purely as ameans of product identification. However, the present inventioncontemplates expanding a barcode's role by creating a method ofproducing a decorative pattern that continues to perform barcodefunctions. Also, a textile product embedded or printed with a decorativeand functional code pattern that is not perceived as a barcode can beused in a recreational manner, as the code pattern can initiate apersonalized response from an electronic code reading device or create adirect link to and reaction from various forms of social media.

Further, the present invention contemplates a method in which multipleyarns of varying diameters can be used to produce a textile fabricembedded with a functional code pattern. Traditionally, only yarns ofuniform diameters could be used to produce a woven barcode, as multipleyarns of differing diameters would cause the bar width and bar spacingof the code pattern to be disrupted, and thus unreadable by anelectronic device. By resolving this need, the opportunities for varietyin the produced textile products expands, as yarns of different colorsand sizes can be used to create a textile product with a code patternthat is aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. Also, textileyarns are available that are reactive to electronic reading devices butthat are not visible to the human eye. Therefore, it can be accomplishedthat the aforementioned code patterns can be incorporated into thetextile product and can be invisible to the human eye, yet can remaindetectable and readable by an electronic device.

Coding technology based on the binary structure of a woven material canproduce a code pattern that is structurally part of a textile product orthat can be digitally printed onto a textile product and can be bothfunctional and fashionable. This technology can be viewed as a blend oftextile and coding technology in which fabrics and garments areincorporated or printed with a coding function. Thus, a barcode-likecode pattern can be embedded within a generic textile product or printeddirectly thereon, producing a textile product that continues to beaesthetically pleasing to consumers but also functional through the useof an electronic code reading device.

An electronic device that is capable of reading the textile code patternis critical to the functionality of the produced textile product. Thesecommercially available electronic devices consist of an illuminationsystem, sensor, and decoder. The identification of a textile codepattern is generally based on image analysis and pattern recognition.Currently, multiple electronic devices exist to perform the function ofreading a code pattern and initiating the programmed response, includingsmartphone devices.

The present application relates to a method of producing a textileproduct in which a functional and decorative code pattern is visibly orinvisibly embedded within or alternatively digitally printed on atextile product. Using an electronic device capable of reading such codepatterns, the code pattern on the textile product can trigger a uniqueand desired response from the electronic device.

Specifically, the method of creating a textile product that incorporatesa functional code pattern at the time period in which the textileproduct is manufactured requires programming a textile process machineto effectively control bar width, bar spacing, and bar color of the codepattern produced. This method requires calculating the conversionfactors that allow a textile material to adhere to barcode protocolrules from the public domain and the mathematical ratio between thestandard dimensions of a barcode label and the desired dimensions of anenlarged code pattern that will appear on the textile product.Subsequently, the appropriate conversion factors and mathematical ratioscan be programmed into a textile process machine, resulting in anenlarged code pattern embedded within a textile product. While typicalbarcodes are produced using an inches scale, the present applicationrelates to code patterns produced using a feet or yard scale. Theenlarged functional code pattern produced using this method continues tofollow the customary rules of bar width and bar spacing of a standardsized barcode; thus, the enlarged code pattern structurally embeddedwithin the textile product continues to be functional by an electroniccode reading device.

In one embodiment, a knitting machine can produce a textile productembedded with a functional code pattern through programming comprising acomputer controlled mechanism. FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a knittingmachine 8 associated with a computer 2 through an interface 1. Forpattern recognition there is also a digitizing table 4, a keyboard 5,and a visual display unit 6. A composite cable 3 is housed within aconduit tube 12. The conduit tube 12 is used to connect the coupler unit11 to the computer interface 1 as shown in FIG. 1. Further, thecomposite cable 3 is used to transmit pattern data from the computer tothe coupling unit 11. The composite cable 3 also transmits timingsignals from the computer 2 to the coupler unit 11. Thus, the patterndata signals and timing signals can work together to produce patterningimpulses to the patterning units 9 via the coupler unit 11, resulting inthe ability to knit a textile product that incorporates a functionalcode pattern made of textile yarn 10. This code pattern can be alteredon demand through programming the computer 2 as desired, such that eachfinal textile product contains the desired functional code pattern. Insome embodiments, the programming results in identical code patternsproduced on the textile products. In some embodiments, the programmingresults in a plurality of unique code patterns produced on the textileproducts.

Similarly, in one embodiment, a weaving machine can produce a textileproduct embedded with a functional code pattern through programmingcomprising a computer controlled mechanism. FIG. 2 diagrammaticallyshows the same disclosed method when associated with a weaving machine.A computer board 1 is used to electronically configure the desiredparameter values, including warp-let off and fabric density. Theseparameter values are then able to be transmitted to the weaving machine2, resulting in a textile product embedded with a functional codepattern. This code pattern can be altered on demand through programmingthe computer board 1 as desired, such that each final textile productcontains the desired functional code pattern. In some embodiments, theprogramming results in identical code patterns produced on the textileproducts. In some embodiments, the programming results in a plurality ofunique code patterns produced on the textile products, such that eachindividual final textile product contains its own unique built infunctional code.

The present application discloses functional code patterns created usingstandard public domain formats for bar spacing, width, and color,including Code 39 and Code 128. In one embodiment, proprietary barcodeformats, distinct from the public domain formats, can be used to producefunctional and readable code patterns embedded within or digitallyprinted on a textile fabric or a textile product. For example, afunctional code pattern in both the horizontal and vertical direction,resulting in a plaid effect, can be incorporated into or printed ontextile fabrics or textile products using the method disclosed. Despitethe non-standard code pattern, the proprietary formats retain completefunctionality when incorporated into a textile product and can be readvia an electronic code reading device. In FIG. 5 a fabric depicting aproprietary code format through an aesthetic plaid pattern isillustrated.

The present invention is also directed towards a method in which eachtextile product has an embedded code pattern. In some embodiments, eachtextile product is created using a unique code pattern, resulting ineach textile product being capable of producing a different response byan electronic code reading device. Given that a textile product can haveits own unique code pattern, the individual owner of the textile articlehas the ability to program his or her own desired personalized responsewhen the code pattern is read by an electronic code reading device. Inother embodiments, the same code pattern can be incorporated into thetextile product through the method disclosed, including mass productionof many textile products via the method disclosed. When identical codepatterns are embedded within textile products, each identical codepattern will trigger the same response when an electronic code readingdevice is used to read the code pattern incorporated in the textileproduct.

The present application is further directed to textiles containing codepatterns that initiate a reaction when read by an electronic readingdevice. Generally, an electronic reading device for barcode-likepatterns involves a device that analyzes a code pattern's image data andsubsequently sends the code pattern's content to an output port. Thepresent application discloses that any electronic code reading devicecan be used to read the code patterns incorporated within the textileproduct. In some embodiments, a smartphone device can act as theelectronic code reading device. Through the smartphone itself or throughsmartphone applications, an owner of a textile product embedded with acode pattern or printed with a code pattern can use his or hersmartphone device as a barcode reader and initiate the programedresponse from the code pattern embedded within the textile product orprinted on the textile product.

The present application additionally discloses the method of formingcode patterns incorporated into textile products through mass productionof such textile products. This method comprises programming a textileprocess machine to effectively control bar width, bar spacing, and barcolor of the code pattern produced. Thus, this method requirescalculating the conversion factors that allow a textile material toadhere to barcode protocol rules from the public domain and themathematical ratio between the standard dimensions of a barcode labeland the desired dimensions of an enlarged code pattern that will appearon the textile product. Subsequently, the appropriate conversion factorsand mathematical ratios can be programmed into a textile processmachine, resulting in an enlarged code pattern embedded within a textileproduct. In particular, using this mass production method, a functionaland/or aesthetic code pattern can be assigned to a desired section of atextile fabric automatically and continuously through programming thetextile process machine. Thus, the functioning code pattern can beincorporated into textile products much like an individual serialnumber. Further, using the mass production method disclosed, the textileprocess machine can be programmed to produce a textile product thatcomprises a plurality of functional code patterns, where the process iscontinuous and does not require stopping the machine to adjust fordifferent functional code patterns.

In some embodiments, the plurality of functional code patterns producedin the single textile fabric are identical. For instance, in FIG. 6, atextile fabric 400 comprises three segments 402, 404, and 406. Each ofthe three segments 402, 404, and 406 comprises an identical code patternas shown as code patterns 408, 410, and 412 and as indicated by thevertical stripes visible on each of the three segments 402, 404, and406. On the other hand, in some embodiments, the plurality of functionalcode patterns produced on a single textile fabric are different, suchthat a single textile fabric could be mass produced to comprise afunctional code pattern comprising horizontal stripes in one segment ofthe textile material and a functional code pattern comprising a plaiddesign on a separate segment of the textile fabric. For example, in FIG.7, a textile fabric 500 comprises three segments 502, 504, and 506. Eachof the three segments 502, 504, and 506 comprises a unique code pattern508, 510, and 512, as indicated by the vertical stripes in segment 502corresponding to a unique code pattern 508, the horizontal stripes insegment 504 corresponding to a unique code pattern 510, and a plaiddesign in segment 506 corresponding to a unique code pattern 512. In allembodiments, the textile products produced contain functional codepatterns that are readable by an appropriate electronic device.

In one embodiment, the method of producing such textile product can beaccomplished using textile yarn materials that are not of equaldiameter. The present application discloses a method used to calculatecorrection factors needed to compensate for the differences in textileyarn diameters, such that the established rules of barcode widths andspacing are respected. These correction factors can additionally beprogrammed in to the textile process machine, allowing for thecompensation to be made at the instant the textile yarns are interlacedto create fabric.

The present application relates to functional code patterns produced inany pattern. Certain embodiments of the present invention include butare not limited to, a code pattern created using horizontal stripes anda code pattern created in both the horizontal and vertical directions ona textile material, resulting in a plaid design that is visuallyappealing yet functional. In FIG. 3, a fabric 100 embedded or digitallyprinted with a functional code pattern comprising visible horizontalstripes 102 with alternating colors is illustrated. When an electroniccode reading device is used to read the code pattern depicted in FIG. 3,the triggered response includes an exclamatory statement (e.g., Goteam!). In FIG. 4 a fabric 200 embedded with a visible plaid designincluding vertical stripes 202 and horizontal stripes 204 covering theentire fabric is illustrated.

The present application can be used to form functional code patterns ona variety of textile products, including but not limited to clothinggarments, backpacks, blankets, and fabric sheets. In FIG. 5, a coatgarment 300 embedded or digitally printed with a functional code patternis illustrated. The functional code pattern consists of a multitude ofhorizontal stripes 302 that occupy a large portion of the visibleexterior of the coat.

The following steps characterize the creation of a fabric that includesa readable barcode (e.g., functional code pattern) as contemplated bythe present invention.

-   -   1. For each type of code format, there are public guidelines for        bar widths and width combinations. For example, in Code 128        format, the letter “A” is denoted as “111323.” This means that        the letter “A” can be interpreted if the reading device sees 6        alternating black and white bar units that abide by the ratios        “111323”. (1 unit black followed by 1 unit white followed by 1        unit black followed by 3 units white followed by 2 units black        followed by 3 units white.)    -   2. Code characters such as “111323” can be converted into        specific quantities of textile threads placed in a garment or        other product. The textile threads themselves become the bars in        the functional code pattern based on one or more conversion        factors to convert the bars to numbers of threads or yarns. In        effect, this requires converting bar dimensions from a        description on paper, into an exact quantity and spacing of        textile yarns which comprise a fabric or other material product,        while accounting for shrinkage in the warp or weft directions        that is inherent in the process of forming a textile fabric. In        addition, mathematical ratios can be used to increase the size        of the traditional bar code to span an entire width of fabric        over a predetermined length. For instance, in its simplest form,        Code 128 character “A” can be converted to a readable textile        fabric by building the fabric as 1 black thread followed by 1        white thread followed by 1 black thread followed by 3 white        threads followed by 2 black threads followed by 3 white threads,        where such thread counts correspond to the code “111323”        sequence for the letter “A” in Code 128. This step can be        referred to as calculating the conversion factor for a desired        character or component of the bar code. Then, if it is desired        to enlarge the formed textile barcode, for more visibility, then        the thread quantity in each bar can be multiplied by the same        factor (doubled, tripled, etc.), which will automatically        preserve the bar width ratios for that character. This step can        be referred to as calculating the appropriate mathematical ratio        for to adjust a traditional bar code to a desired size based on        the fabric being produced.    -   3. Multiple readable characters may be placed in the same        textile product, to create an understandable message. The main        stipulation is that published rules for the code format are        followed, and threads that comprise the textile material are        added in quantities that respect the ratios of the bar widths.        With a combined string of characters incorporated into the        textile fabric, it is possible to use any public-domain barcode        reader (such as a smart phone app) to see and display the        intended message.

In many cases, it may be desirable that each textile fabric in the formof a product or garment that includes a functional code pattern to beunique or customized, containing a code sequence that does not appear inany other garment or product. This allows a garment or product to beelectronically assigned to a specific owner. To accomplish thischaracteristic, the textile fabric or material that goes into a singleproduct must be changed or re-coded, per unit of product. In this case,the functional code pattern or barcode (which is part of the textilefabric itself) must be viewed as a unique serial number. For example, ifa final textile product was made from 3 linear yards of woven fabric,barcode uniqueness would mean that the code used would need to change ona 3 yard basis. (The code would need to index to another value on a 3yard increment, same as a serial number.) This becomes an unmanageabletask if changing codes at 3 yard increments is performed manually, asthis would require stopping the fabric formation process to allowreprogramming of the bar widths residing in the fabric. Thus, thepresent invention contemplates a continuous process for incorporating aplurality of functional code patterns onto a textile fabric withouthaving to stop the fabric formation process each time a new functionalcode pattern is incorporated into the fabric.

Modern textile manufacturing equipment generally includes a high degreeof computerization, and memory storage. Therefore, a fabric formationmachine can be programmed to make a specific code pattern over a givenlength of material, then automatically index to a new code pattern.Typically, it would also be normal to separate each coded fabric sectionwith a single strand of brightly colored textile yarn that serves as anobvious marker to delineate or indicate that a code change has beenmade.

In order to automatically produce unique sections of coded fabrics, thefollowing sequence can be followed. In this example, the coded bars willbe in the width direction, but could be placed in width direction,length direction, or a combination of the width and length directionsdepending on the desired functional code pattern to be incorporated intothe textile fabric.

-   -   1. Establish the range of bar patterns to be used, in units of        threads of each color such as black and white. The normal format        used is referred to as “.des” files which can be created on a        computer and then easily transferred to the fabric formation        machine. In Code 128 format, the symbol “A” is denoted as        “111323”. If for example it was desired to make this symbol        larger by a factor of 3, the sequence entered into the “.des”        file would be 3 threads black, 3 threads white, 3 threads black,        9 threads white, 6 threads, black, 9 threads white. This        sequence can be repeated automatically until the desired linear        yardage is fully realized.    -   2. At the point where it is desired to index to the next code        within the fabric, the machine can be instructed to add one        thread (of a specific color) to serve as a dividing line between        fabric sections.    -   3. The “.des” files mentioned in (1) above can be created to        index or change slightly over a specific length. For example,        “111323” can be indexed to “111324” and so forth. When these        files are created in a long string and then loaded into the        fabric formation machine memory, segments of the desired unique        coded fabric are realized automatically.

While in one particular embodiment as described above, the functionalcode pattern is embedded within a textile during the fabric formationprocess, the use of high speed digital printing on fabric is animportant alternative manufacturing method, particularly in terms ofefficiency in mass-producing a plurality of functional code patterns ona sheet of textile. In this embodiment, fabric can be printed upon toproduce a fabric containing a functional code pattern. Although themanufacturing method is different, the functional or aesthetic codepattern is still able to initiate a reaction when read by an electronicreading device. Further, digital printing provides the capability toincorporate functional code patterns into products that have alreadybeen manufactured in addition to sheets of fabrics or textiles. Further,digital printing is an efficient manner to incorporate patterns ontotextile products. In one embodiment, a computer programs a textileprocess machine to effectively control bar width, bar spacing, and barcolor of the code pattern produced such that the printing is readable byan electronic reading device.

The textile process machine then digitally prints the pattern directlyonto a textile product. In FIG. 8, one example of a digital printer 600is shown. A digital printer can produce a textile product having afunctional code pattern printed thereon through programming comprising acomputer controlled mechanism. A computer 602 can be used toelectronically configure the desired parameter values, similar to theprocess of embedding the functional code pattern 606 in a textileproduct. The parameter values are then transmitted to the textileprocess machine 604, where the pattern is digitally printed directlyonto a textile product. The code pattern 606 can be altered on demandthrough programming the computer 602 as desired, such that each finaltextile product 608 contains the desired functional code pattern 606.

The computer 602 calculates conversion factors to allow a digitallyprinted fabric to adhere to standard barcode formatting rules totransfer to the functional code pattern printed on the textile productand calculates mathematical ratios between dimensions of a standardbarcode label and desired dimensions for the functional code patternprinted on the textile product, wherein the functional code pattern isenlarged compared to the standard barcode label. The computer 602 thenprograms a textile process machine 604 with the calculated conversionfactors and mathematical ratios, wherein the programming controls barwidth, bar spacing, bar color, or a combination thereof of thefunctional code pattern 606. Thereafter, the functional code pattern 606is digitally printed onto the textile fabric 608.

In some embodiments, the printing results in a plurality of unique codepatterns produced on the textile products, such that each individualfinal textile product contains its own unique functional code. In otherembodiments, the programming results in identical code patterns producedon the textile products. In yet other embodiments, the programmingresults in a plurality of unique code patterns produced on the textileproducts.

The fabric can be digitally printed using processes known by one ofskill in the art. For instance, an ink jet printer, a laser jet printeror any other suitable printer can be used. An inkjet printer emits inkfrom nozzles while they pass over the fabric or textile product. Inkjetprinters can use thermal technology, whereby heat is used to fire inkonto the fabric. In one embodiment, a squirt of ink is initiated byheating the ink to create a bubble until pressure forces it to burst andhit the fabric. The bubble then collapses as the element cools, and theresulting vacuum draws ink from the reservoir to replace the ink thatwas ejected. Alternatively, a high pressure pump can direct liquid inkthrough a nozzle, creating a continuous stream of ink droplets. Forlaser printers, a desired pattern is sent from a computer to a laserprinter where a negative charge is applied to a cylindrical drum by aprimary charge roller. Then a laser etches the image onto the drumsurface. The area struck by the laser has a more positive charge so thatwhen negatively charged printer toner is transferred to the surface ofthe drum, it sticks to the areas marked by the laser and falls off theareas that remain negatively charged. Toner is then transferred from thesurface of the drum to the fabric by a transfer roller that applies apositive charge to the fabric that attracts the negatively charged tonerfrom the drum. Then the toner is fused to the fabric by a combination ofheat and pressure.

While the invention has been described in detail with respect to thespecific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilledin the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, mayreadily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents tothese embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventionshould be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalentthereto.

1. A method of producing a textile fabric comprising a functional codepattern embedded therein, the method comprising: calculating conversionfactors to allow the textile fabric to adhere to standard barcodeformatting rules to transfer to the functional code pattern embeddedwithin the textile product; calculating mathematical ratios betweendimensions of a standard barcode label and desired dimensions for thefunctional code pattern embedded within the textile product, wherein thefunctional code pattern is enlarged compared to the standard barcodelabel; programming a textile process machine with the calculatedconversion factors and mathematical ratios, wherein the programmingcontrols bar width, bar spacing, bar color, or a combination thereof ofthe functional code pattern; and simultaneously incorporating thefunctional code pattern into the textile fabric and interlacing aplurality of textile yarns to form the textile fabric.
 2. A method asdefined according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises massproducing the textile fabric by simultaneously incorporating a pluralityof functional code patterns into the textile fabric, wherein the methodof mass producing the textile fabric is a continuous process.
 3. Amethod as defined in claim 1, wherein the textile process machinecomprises a weaving machine or a knitting machine.
 4. A method asdefined in claim 1, wherein the functional code pattern is woven orknitted into the textile fabric.
 5. A method as defined in claim 1,wherein the functional code pattern spans across a visible portion ofthe textile fabric.
 6. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein theplurality of textile yarns are of varying diameters.
 7. A method asdefined in claim 6, wherein the textile process machine is programmedwith determined correction factors prior to manufacture to compensatefor differences in the varying diameters of the plurality of textileyarns.
 8. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the plurality oftextile yarns have a consistent diameter.
 9. A method as defined inclaim 1, wherein the textile fabric comprises a plurality of segments,wherein the textile process machine is programmed to produce a uniquefunctional code pattern for each of the plurality of segments.
 10. Amethod as defined in claim 1, wherein the textile fabric comprises aplurality of segments, wherein the textile process machine is programmedto produce identical functional code patterns for each of the pluralityof segments.
 11. A method as defined in claim 2, wherein the textilefabric comprises a single textile base material comprising a pluralityof unique functional code patterns.
 12. A method as defined in claim 2,wherein the textile fabric comprises a single textile base materialcomprising a plurality of identical functional code patterns.
 13. Amethod of producing a textile fabric comprising a functional codepattern digitally printed thereon, the method comprising: calculatingconversion factors to allow a digitally printed fabric to adhere tostandard barcode formatting rules to transfer to the functional codepattern printed on the textile product; calculating mathematical ratiosbetween dimensions of a standard barcode label and desired dimensionsfor the functional code pattern printed on the textile product, whereinthe functional code pattern is enlarged compared to the standard barcodelabel; programming a textile process machine with the calculatedconversion factors and mathematical ratios, wherein the programmingcontrols bar width, bar spacing, bar color, or a combination thereof ofthe functional code pattern; and incorporating the functional codepattern onto the textile fabric via printing.
 14. A method as definedaccording to claim 13, wherein the method comprises mass producing thetextile fabric by simultaneously incorporating a plurality of functionalcode patterns onto the textile fabric via printing, wherein the methodof mass producing the textile fabric is a continuous process.
 15. Amethod as defined in claim 13, wherein the functional code pattern spansacross a visible portion of the textile fabric.
 16. A method as definedin claim 13, wherein the textile fabric comprises a plurality ofsegments, wherein the textile process machine is programmed to produce aunique code pattern for each of the plurality of segments.
 17. A methodas defined in claim 13, wherein the textile fabric comprises a pluralityof segments, wherein the textile process machine is programmed toproduce identical code patterns for each of the plurality of segments.18. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the functional code patternis read by an electronic code reading device.
 19. A method as defined inclaim 1, wherein the functional code pattern produced is in the form ofany pattern.
 20. A method as defined in claim 19, wherein the functionalcode pattern comprises horizontal stripes, vertical stripes, or a plaidpattern.
 21. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the functional codepattern comprises a Code 39 barcode or a Code 128 barcode.
 22. A methodas defined in claim 1, wherein the functional code pattern includes ahorizontal barcode component and a vertical barcode component.
 23. Amethod as defined in claim 1, wherein the functional code pattern isdecorative and visible to the human eye.
 24. A method as defined inclaim 1, wherein the functional code pattern is invisible to the humaneye.
 25. A textile fabric formed according to the method of claim 1,wherein the textile fabric is constructed into any textile productcomposed of textile material.
 26. A textile fabric as defined in claim25, wherein the textile product comprises a garment, a backpack, afabric, or a blanket.